Motherwell 1-1 Ross County: Match Report

12 September 2015 04:31

Louis Moult's late equaliser secures point for Motherwell against Ross County

Louis Moult scored his fourth goal in as many games to earn Motherwell a 1-1 draw against Ross County with a stoppage-time equaliser at Fir Park.

Moult was on hand to convert substitute Marvin Johnson's driven cross from close range in the first of five minutes added on.

County had been heading for a fourth consecutive win after Michael Gardyne netted in the 33rd minute when Motherwell failed to deal with a basic free-kick into the box.

The Ladbrokes Premiership encounter was short of quality but the visitors looked to have edged it through being stronger and more purposeful in most areas of the park, but a rare piece of incisive play from the hosts earned them a point.

Motherwell made three changes as Jake Taylor returned from suspension and Steven Hammell came back from injury, while Louis Laing was restored to central defence. Jack Leitch did not even make the bench despite performing well in the victory over Kilmarnock in Motherwell's last league game.

Craig Curran was missing for County as both sides lined up with 4-4-2 formations.

Motherwell had a decent early chance when Jamie Reckord headed a cross straight to Moult with goalkeeper Scott Fox stranded, but the striker volleyed wide from 18 yards.

County's main threat was coming from a series of corners. Motherwell defender Stephen McManus headed just over his own bar before County captain Andrew Davies headed off target.

Moult got another half-chance when Jackson Irvine gifted him possession, but Fox got down well to stop his 25-yard strike.

There was little in the way of good football but County looked the more threatening and they took the lead from another set-piece.

Several Motherwell defenders failed to deal with Reckord's deep free-kick from just inside the home half and Davies did enough to force the ball back for Gardyne, who had space to turn and finish from six yards.

Motherwell brought on Theo Robinson for Scott McDonald at half-time but County continued to look a touch more dangerous going forward and Irvine got a first-time strike on target from 30 yards as Motherwell, and Taylor in particular, struggled to keep the ball.

Motherwell picked up slightly going into the final quarter and Johnson did well to force an opening in conjunction with Moult but then shot past the near post when Robinson was well placed inside.

Robinson then turned and shot from 18 yards but straight at Fox and the former Derby striker wasted a couple of chances to get beyond the visiting defence.

County looked like holding on comfortably and Liam Boyce could have finished the game in the final minute but curled just over the top corner.

And the visitors soon paid for it when Keith Lasley's pass sent Johnson to the byline to drill the ball across for Moult to net.